The incident occurred at approximately 9:38 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 as a fully marked Chevrolet Caprice, Newark (Delaware) Police vehicle was traveling eastbound on DE SR 4 in the left lane, headed towards the intersection of South Chapel Street (DE SR 72). The Caprice was heading to a non-emergency complaint and did not have its emergency equipment activated. As the Caprice proceeded eastbound from the entrance to the Robscott Manor development, a pedestrian entered into its path of travel.

The front of the Caprice struck the pedestrian, sending him onto the hood and into the front windshield of the vehicle. The pedestrian came to rest in the left lane of eastbound DE SR 4 for a final resting place. The pedestrian was wearing dark colored clothing and was not utilizing a marked crosswalk, was not carrying an illuminated device, and was not wearing any reflective material. The area in which this collision occurred is not illuminated by artificial lighting. The pedestrian, a 40-year-old Newark man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Caprice was not injured as a result of this crash and was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision. Speed and impairment are not considered a factor on his behalf. Impairment on the part of the pedestrian remains under investigation at this time, and his identification is pending the notification of next of kin.

Eastbound DE SR 4 was closed between Robscott Manor and DE SR 72 for approximately 2 hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident and anyone with information is asked to please contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8486.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.